Abstract
Background: Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) may be associated
with asthma. In the absence of a gold standard diagnosis for children,
its impact on asthma has been rarely assessed. Objective: to
assess the impact of HVS, diagnosed by a positive hyperventilation test
(HVT), on the symptoms and lung function of children with asthma and
determine the diagnostic value of the Nijmegen questionnaire in
comparison to a HVT. Methods: Data from asthmatic children
followed in the department of Pediatric Pulmonology of Necker Hospital
and explored for HVS were retrospectively analyzed. HVS was diagnosed by
a positive HVT. Asthma symptoms and lung function were assessed in
children with or without a positive HVT. The sensitivity and specificity
of the Nijmegen questionnaire were determined relative to the positivity
of a HVT. Results: Data from 112 asthmatic children, median age
13.9 years [11.6–16], were analyzed. Twenty-eight children (25%)
had mild or moderate asthma and 84 (75%) severe asthma. The HVT was
performed on 108 children and was negative for 34 (31.5%) and positive
for 74 (68.5%). The number of asthma exacerbations in the past 12
months, ACT score, and lung function did not differ between children
with a positive HVT and a negative HVT. The Nijmegen questionnaire was
administered to 103 children. With a threshold of 23, its sensitivity
was 56.3% and specificity 56.3%. Conclusion: The symptoms and
lung function of adolescents with asthma are not affected by the
presence of HVS. The sensitivity and specificity of the Nijmegen
questionnaire are low.